Course Overview
Anyone applying for an RYA Commercial Endorsement for the first time must complete Professional Practices and Responsibilities. It is also required before renewal for holders who have not already passed the course.
Working professionally afloat brings a duty of care to crew, passengers, clients and other water users. PPR explains how an RYA-qualified skipper or crew member fits into the commercial maritime world and the responsibilities that accompany paid work on vessels ranging from charter yachts and delivery boats to workboats and larger yachts.
This official RYA-developed online course is supplied through Phuket Sea School. It combines four learning modules, knowledge checks, mock assessments and a two-part graded final assessment that you complete online at your own pace.
Official RYA online learning
How the online course works
PPR is an official RYA-developed online course supplied through Phuket Sea School. After booking, we email your personal login so you can study and complete the assessment at your own pace.
- 1Book PPR through Phuket Sea School
- 2Receive your personal RYA course login by email
- 3Study the online modules and try the mock assessments
- 4Complete both sections of the graded final assessment
- 5Download your completion certificate after passing
Two-part online final assessment
The end-of-course assessment has two graded sections of 15 questions: general knowledge and scenario-based application. You must answer at least 12 questions correctly in each section (80%). After passing, you can download the certificate required for your Commercial Endorsement application or renewal.
Who Is This Course For?
Skippers and professional crew preparing their first RYA Commercial Endorsement application or their next revalidation.
Prerequisites
- No previous experience required
What Is Included
Included
- Access to the official RYA online PPR course
- Course login sent to you by email after booking
- Self-paced learning, knowledge checks and mock assessments
- Two-part online final assessment
- PPR course certificate after successful completion
Not included
- Travel and accommodation for any in-person session or assessment
- External examination or certification fees unless stated
- Practical-course training and yacht accommodation
Delivery dates and final inclusions are confirmed before payment. External examination or certification fees remain separate unless your written quote explicitly includes them.
Course Syllabus
- Commercial environment: how you fit into the professional maritime world
- People: correct manning, maintaining competence and safely managing commercial vessels
- Vessel: compulsory safety equipment, maintenance, risk controls and operating procedures
- Purpose: vessel suitability and legality, environmental obligations, planning and situational awareness
- Mock assessments followed by the two-part graded final assessment
What you will work toward
- Understand your place in the professional maritime sector
- Recognise safe-manning and competence responsibilities
- Apply practical risk-control and vessel-management principles
- Recognise when a vessel, crew and operating plan are suitable and legal for the intended work
- Prepare the PPR evidence required for a new or renewed RYA Commercial Endorsement
Course duration and assessment
Most learners take approximately six to eight hours to work through the four modules. The final graded assessment is split into two online sections, with mock assessments available first so you can check your readiness.
- General-knowledge assessment section
- Scenario-based assessment section
- 15 questions in each section
- At least 12 correct answers in each section — an 80% pass mark
- Downloadable completion certificate after both sections are passed
Possible exemptions
A limited exemption may apply if you hold a qualifying MCA Deck Officer Certificate of Competence covered by the current RYA Commercial Endorsement guidance.
- Check that your MCA certificate falls within the current qualifying categories
- Include a copy of the qualifying MCA certificate with your Commercial Endorsement application
An RYA/MCA Yachtmaster certificate is not automatically an exemption. Confirm current eligibility with the RYA before relying on an exemption.
Recommended to Bring
- A compatible computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection
- Your course login and any learning materials supplied by email
- Notebook and pen for personal notes
Supporting Courses
Marine Radio VHF/SRC, RYA First Aid and the appropriate RYA shorebased navigation course support safe progression through the cruising scheme. We will identify any missing qualification when reviewing your enquiry.
Your Next RYA Step
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PPR completely online?
Yes. The official RYA course, mock assessments, final assessment and certificate are all completed online. No classroom attendance is required.
What is the pass mark?
The final assessment contains two sections of 15 questions. You must answer at least 12 questions correctly in each section, which is an 80% pass mark per section.
When do I receive my certificate?
After passing both assessment sections, you can download your completion certificate immediately for your first Commercial Endorsement application or next renewal.
Who needs to complete PPR?
It is required for new RYA Commercial Endorsement applicants and for renewing holders who have not already passed it. A limited group of higher MCA deck-officer certificate holders may qualify for exemption.
How long does the course take?
Most learners need around six to eight hours for the four modules, followed by the two-part graded online assessment. You can study at your own pace and use the mock assessments before attempting the graded sections.